I’ll start with an apology. I’ve seen a ton of art since my last post, and unfortunately there are not enough hours in the day to do what I want to do. I have a lot of catching up on blog posts of art that I need you to see.

I’m not one of those bloggers that shares much about my life, other than you know I love looking at art. I will share that my husband and I are empty nesters and finally decided to live part time in New York City, as our three kids are all nearby. We really like them, and needed to be closer to them and some dear friends. We had lived in the city, and right outside, for over 20 years prior to moving to Seattle. Seattle is far, and being in NYC is like coming home. The apartment above ours had a large water valve break, and when I’m not looking at art, or being a studio potter, I have been dealing with repairs. It’s almost done, so be warned, you are about to be overwhelmed. Remember, I only share art that I like. There is plenty I see that I don’t show you.

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“Faith Ringgold: American People” is the most comprehensive exhibition to date of this groundbreaking artist’s vision, highlighted by the first full presentation of her historic French Collection in over twenty years along with many other quintessential works that will be exhibited together for the first time in decades. Featuring Ringgold’s best-known series, this show examines the artist’s figurative style as it evolved to meet the urgency of political and social change. The exhibition also foregrounds her radical explorations of gender and racial identities, which the artist incorporates into the rich textures of her paintings, soft sculptures, and story quilts. Among the most important artworks of the past fifty years, Ringgold’s fabric works combine local traditions and global references to compose a polyphonic history of this country. Long overdue, this retrospective provides a timely opportunity to experience the art of an American icon. (The New Museum)

I need to go back and spend more time with Street Story Quilt, Parts I-III. It is phenomenal.

I remember when the book Tar Beach came out in 1996. I read it to my kids, and it remains in my large children’s book collection. It was wonderful seeing some of these pieces in person.

“Ringgold recounts the dream adventure of eight-year-old Cassie Louise Lightfoot, who flies above her apartment-building rooftop, the ‘tar beach’ of the title, looking down on 1939 Harlem. Part autobiographical, part fictional, this allegorical tale sparkles with symbolic and historical references central to African-American culture.” (Amazon)

I have a wall in the above mentioned apartment in need of a large painting. This would look amazing on it. No wonder I cannot find art I like and can afford. I want a Faith Ringgold.

Faith Ringgold: AMERICAN PEOPLE is on three full floors of the New Museum. The exhibition runs through June 5, 2022, and I could not recommend it more highly. I will be going back more than once. It’s a wow! If you cannot get there, buy the catalog. It’s comprehensive and beautiful.